National Archives and Records Administration - ARC Identifier 1162395 / Local Identifier 255-HQ-232 - Small Steps...Giant Strides - National Aeronautics and Space Administration. (10/01/1958 - ). This film highlights the accomplishments of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), from its inception in 1958 to 1973. Isaac Asimov recounts years of technological advancements that contributed to space exploration, such as the Mariner and Pioneer probes, the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo missions, and the Ranger, Surveyor, and Lunar Orbiter. -